Exeter City Ladies 3-0 Keynesham Ladies

Exeter City Ladies FC 3-0 Keynesham Development Ladies FC 

Venue: Topsham Town FC

Date: 28 October 2012, 2pm kick-off

 

City's home ground of Topsham Town FC played host to the first meeting of these two teams this season. Manager Steve Tully made just two changes to the starting line-up that drew 2-2 with league leaders Oxford United LFC the previous week, bringing in Kate Hine at centre-back and Carla Staddon on the right wing.


In the cold conditions, City started slowly. Although having the majority of possession, City failed to capitalise on the chances they created. Continuing to apply pressure and grow into the game, City continued to drive forward, with Tash Knapman's shot forcing a fine save from Keynesham's keeper.


Midway through the first half City's management team and supporters alike were left furious that a penalty was not given when striker Lola Garcia Sanchez was brought down by a defender in the penalty area.

 

An injured Sanchez was subsequently replaced by Natalie Shenton.


Strong performances from both Leah Brooks and Catherine Wright in midfield, together with a compact defence ensured that Keynesham never looked like scoring.

 

The deadlock remained unbroken on the half time whistle.


City started brighter in the second-half, upping the tempo of the game and determined to find the first goal. That goal came fifteen minutes in, when a cross from Shenton found right-back Emma Redwood who blasted the ball into the net. This was Redwood's first goal of the season for City.


Keynesham fought hard and replied with a shot that saw keeper Maxine Coupe at full stretch to keep it out.


City then made several tactical changes with Tully opting for a slight change in formation, seeing Leah Brooks and Carla Staddon being replaced by Dani Garland and Nicola Brown respectively.

 

The second goal followed shortly after, when Garland turned several players to curl a twenty yard strike into the top right corner.


Again City applied the pressure, capitalising as Keynesham appeared to tire. Captain Kirsty Caunter ended the scoring with another twenty yard strike straight past the keeper and into the top of the net.

City will travel to Swindon Town LFC for their next league fixture on Sunday.